Jan
2

Looking back

by Sofia   -   in Random

There is always good reason to look forward but before the blog heads to the new year I wanted to recap the old one. It was not the most amazing year in my life to be honest. We had some serious health scares in the close family and within our close friends and all in all in the world in general many things could have gone a little differently. I must say that in your mid to late twenties and early thirties there is a time when each year brings something very exciting and new to many of our lives. We get engaged, we get married, we get pregnant and we have babies. We buy new apartments and we land dream jobs. But then comes a sort of a lull. New exciting things happen daily of course. We witness the growth of our children and the growth of ourselves too, but in general the changes for many of us are not the “highlights” of life generally speaking. But then all the more reason to look in to the everyday life and find the great little moments from there. In 2016 my firstborn started school. She has done tremendously well ( not only academically but also as a wonderful little person) which is something to be proud of and to count as a highlight. I was asked to be the godmother not only once but twice this year which means some of my friends actually find me close to them or as a good role model. A definite highlight and honour. Our baby has grown in to a little 5 year old girl who´s sweetness and kindness pulls our heart strings every day. But this year has brought fun little things and bigger things to remember too. We have had many fun trips together as a family and with friends. I have seen new places due to work too which has been fun and I can be grateful for these chances. We have been skiing with friends and made a longer trip to a sunny destination as a family. We travelled to the South of France to cruise around on our friend´s yacht and I had a girls trip to London. I was in Paris with my mom and Cotton Candy. I think there might have been something else too but I forget. So happy for all the great memories made on all these trips! I cooked with my girls and baked with my girls. I crafted with them and surprised them on many occasions with little parties and playdates. I celebrated a ten year anniversary of meeting my husband and I think I told quite a few people how happy and lucky I am that I did. I got to spend another fine year with friends and family, with amazing work colleagues and with my two little girls who make me so happy every day. I had some fun blog collaborations I´m grateful for. So all in all it was a great year. I feel like I started many things that will get finished this year. I sincerely hope they do. And I hope you guys tag along for this for a fantastic 2017.

Here are some moments from the blog from last year ( from every month but in no particular order)…

Dec
31

Have a sparkling New Year!

by Sofia   -   in Random

I wish you lots of light, love, laughter, health and happiness for the upcoming year. May it bring you joy and strength. May it resolve unfinished things and may it bring new amazing moments to your life. May it be filled with friendships and with things to do that you love. Let it be the year when you do what makes your soul dance to the tunes you love the most.

Let´s hope the upcoming year brings us insight, wisdom and a capability to see the bigger picture and to step in to one another´s shoes. Let´s all decide to sparkle the way we know best but also to let others shine just as brightly in their own ways. Let´s all decide to be kind and caring towards others but also towards ourselves. Let´s push our boundaries and let´s learn new things! But let us also slow down every once in a while and breath deep and just be.

Dec
30

Put a cherry on it

by Sofia   -   in Cooking  Good things for kids  Party planning

Me teimme jouluaattona tytöille Shirley Templet eli klassiset alkoholittomat cocktailit. Niihin sekoitetaan perinteisesti grenadiinia ( granaattiomenasta keitettyä makeaa kirkkaanpunaista siirappia jota saa ainakin joistain Alkoista. Helsingin keskustassa Stockan, Arkadian ja Kasarmintorin Alkosta ainakin) sekä inkiväärilimua ja drinkki koristellaan cocktail kirsikalla. Me teimme omistamme ruusuisen version maustamalla ne ruusulimonadilla ( löytyy myös mm. Alkon alkoholittomalta osastolta).

Looking for a mocktail for New Years? Inspired by the fantastic Celebrate Everything-book we made Shirley Temples for the girl for Christmas eve´s cocktail hour and they loved them. It would be a great New Year´s drink too! I made them with a rosy twist and I must say it was fabulous. The girls asked for seconds on Christmas Day so I even got some photos for you. Shirley Temple is probably the most iconic non alcoholic cocktail and there are tons of recipes online for it but here is my rosy version.